Abstract: A washing machine having a broadcasting receiver for providing various multimedia contents on the washing machine is disclosed. A broadcast signal reception module is provided in the washing machine, such as a washer or dryer, which is frequently used in the user's living space. Therefore, the washing machine can not only perform a washing operation, but also output a broadcast signal. In particular, the provision of the broadcast signal reception module in the washing machine enables reception of a mobile broadcast signal, as well as a fixed broadcast signal, thereby making it possible to provide more various multimedia contents through the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to increase customer satisfaction with a multifunction-alization of the washing machine and thus use the washing machine more universally, resulting in an increase in the competitiveness of a product.

Abstract: Washing machine having means for detecting floating laundry, such as a pillow, over a preset height, and method for controlling the same, which enables performance of washing without spray of water or causing damage to the laundry even if the laundry floats, the washing machine including an outer case, a water storage tub inside of the outer case, a washing tub rotatably mounted inside of the water storage tub, a driving motor for rotating the washing tub, and floating laundry detecting means for detecting a case when a height of laundry held in the washing tub is higher than a preset position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine enabling to prevent foam from leaking. The present invention includes a housing, a tub installed in the housing to store water, the tub having at least one opening and at least one pipe connected to the at least one opening, a drum rotatably installed in the tub to hold a laundry therein for washing, and a valve assembly installed at the opening to selectively cut off the at least one pipe to prevent foam produced in the drum and the tub from leaking outside via the opening.

Abstract: A control interface for a laundry appliance includes a microcomputer and a reconfigurable display coupled to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is programmed to present at least one input screen on the reconfigurable display for user selection of laundry cycle parameters.

Abstract: A control panel of a washing machine is provided. The buttons of the washing machine on a display panel are disposed independent from corresponding switches on a display substrate. The control panel includes a frame provided on a cabinet to form an exterior, a display panel on a front side of the frame to have at least one button formed thereon, a display substrate in rear of the display panel to have at least one switch formed thereon, and a lever between the corresponding button and switch to operate the switch by receiving an external force applied to the button.

Abstract: A front-loading machine for treating laundry includes a loading opening, a hinged door, a locking mechanism and an operating device. The loading opening is disposed on a front wall of the machine. The hinged door is receivable by a receiving area on the front wall so as to close the loading opening. The locking mechanism is configured to hold the door in a closed position. The operating device is configured to activate and deactivate the locking mechanism. The operating device includes a sensor configured to detect a contact or a contact-free incursion into a detection zone thereof. The sensor is disposed on at least one of the door and the receiving area on the front wall.

Abstract: A universal controller is employed in a domestic appliance including a user interface. In order to determine the particular user interface utilized and, correspondingly, the available cycles, features and options of the appliance, a scan of a keypad matrix associated with the user interface is performed to determine the presence and/or absence of shorts used to reflect the existence of permanently closed keys of the matrix. In accordance with the invention, the shorts can be indicated individually, in sequence and/or in combination in order to indicate to the controller which firmware to execute for a particular user interface.

Abstract: A control panel for a laundry appliance includes a cycle type section comprising a reconfigurable display, and a cycle parameter section graphically illustrating selected laundry cycle parameters.

Abstract: A washing machine having a dual-purpose sensor capable of detecting a degree of vibration generated during a dewatering step as well as measuring detergent levels present in the water. The washing machine having a sensor unit installed with respect to an outer tub for holding water. The washing machine includes a microcomputer having an input port receiving an applied voltage, the input port electrically connected to a supply voltage; first and second electrodes, installed so as to be submerged in the water of the outer tub, wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the supply voltage and the second electrode is electrically connected to ground, to thereby generate the applied voltage for input to the input port of the microcomputer; a spherical conductor disposed adjacent to the electrodes; and a support for supporting the spherical conductor.

Abstract: A dryer and a drain structure of the same are provided. The drain structure of a dryer includes a base, a condenser mounted on the base, and a drain concaved from front to rear of a condenser mounting surface, which is provided on the base and mounts the condenser thereon.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a color dye in a water sample are described. Light is generated and passed through a water sample. A color sensor is utilized to measure the light that passes through the water sample. Based on the measured light, it is determined whether a dye color is present in the water sample.

Abstract: Water temperature selection in a washing machine is accomplished by utilizing a single selector that is in communication with an associated processor. The single selector is preferably on the same board as the processor thereby defining a water temperature selection and control module. The water temperature selector and control module is in communication with various other selectors, sensors, detectors, inputs, or the like to receive signals therefrom. The input signals are processed by the processor to produce signals to control water flow for the washing machine. In one form, the single selector is a resistive potentiometer that provides a resistance signal to the processor. In this form, the processor is in communication with the water valves and directly energizes the water valves in accordance with the resistive signal from the potentiometer.

Abstract: A household appliance is provided with a visual display, as well as a control system which enables the visual display to be used in an advertising mode of operation. The advertising mode can be selectively operated in either automatic or interactive formats. In the automatic format, a series of screens are successively displayed on the screen in order to advertise various features and advantages of the appliance. In the interactive format, the consumer can enter desired selections through the screen as if the appliance was actually in use. The appliance then simulates an operation cycle based on the selections made. The selections are preferably stored in a volatile memory location such that the control system reverts back to default settings and options, either after a preset idle period or upon establishing an OFF condition for the appliance.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a plurality of LEDs that are configured annularly about a control knob of the appliance controller. The LEDs are operated so as to indicate status of the operation of the appliance when the appliance is in a run mode. In one form, the appliance controller illuminates one of the LEDs to indicate at what point the appliance is in its cycle of operation. When the appliance is in a stop mode, the LEDs are operated to indicate where the control knob is positioned when a user is selecting a particular operation with the appliance controller. In one form, as a user rotates the control knob, the appliance controller determines the rotational or angular location of the knob, particularly via a selection indicator of the knob, and illuminates a corresponding LED.

Abstract: A solid state appliance controller includes circuitry formed on a circuit board, the circuitry defining a voltage trace in communication with a voltage source, a first state trace, and a second state trace. The first and second state traces are in communication with a processor. A user selection knob is operative to allow a user to select an operating mode of the appliance by rotating the user selection knob. A wiper assembly is coupled to the user selection knob for rotation therewith. The wiper assembly has a voltage finger operative to be in contact with the voltage trace so as to continuously receive a voltage therefrom during rotation of the selection knob. A first finger is operative to intermittently contact the first trace in accordance with a first pattern thereof wherein contact provides the voltage to the first trace during rotation of the selection knob.

Abstract: A circuit is provided. The circuit includes a processor programmed to prevent overfilling of a cabinet with a fluid and a backup circuit having fixed logic. The backup circuit is electrically coupled to the processor to redundantly prevent overfilling the cabinet with the fluid.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a control knob assembly and detection mechanism having various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob assembly and produce a position signal indicative of the knob assembly position. The position signal is provided to the appliance controller that produces a control signal in response thereto. The control signal is used to initiate various appliance functions based on the specific position of the knob assembly. In one form, the detection mechanism includes a variable resistor assembly that is comprised of a wiper and resistor pad arrangement. In another form, the detection mechanism includes a shaft encoder mechanism that is comprised of a light transmitter and receiver, and an associated apertured disc secured to the knob assembly.

Abstract: An appliance control system includes a housing and a user cycle selector which is movable in relation to the housing between a first selector position and a second selector position. The appliance control system further includes a first spring secured to the housing, the first spring being configured to retain the user cycle selector at (i) the first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) the second selector position during a second period of time. Additionally, the appliance control system includes a mode switch positioned within the housing, the mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state. The appliance control system also includes a second spring having a spring arm which is movable between a first arm position and a second arm position. Movement of the user cycle selector from the first selector position to the second selector position causes the spring arm to move from the first arm position to the second arm position.

Abstract: A vibration detecting apparatus includes a bobbin having a moving path of desired length in an inner periphery of the bobbin; a core movable along the moving path in the inner periphery of the bobbin by vibration applied from exterior or vibration applied to the bobbin; and a coil wound on an outer periphery of the bobbin, the inductance of which being changed in accordance with the shift of the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acceleration sensor for a household device (20) which serves for levelling the appliance and also for weighing the material introduced into the appliance, for example on a laundry unit or crockery and furthermore, in particular for a linen treatment device, for monitoring imbalances. The sensor is based on the principle that a temperature profile, generated by a thermal source, for example, an immersion heater (5), in a scaled chamber (6) which contains a gas, undergoes a displacement as a result of the acceleration, which is measured by temperature sensors arranged on a flat plate (4).

Abstract: Disclosed is a control panel assembly for a washing machine, which provides an improved structure enabling a knob smoothly to rotate without making noise. The present invention includes a board having a switch and parts mounted thereon, a control panel installed at one side of a cabinet of the washing machine to cover the board to protect, and a knob connected to the switch to penetrate the control panel wherein a rear end is partially contacted with a backside of the control panel.

Abstract: A control interface for a laundry appliance includes a microcomputer and a reconfigurable display coupled to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is programmed to present at least one input screen on the reconfigurable display for user selection of laundry cycle parameters.

Abstract: A motor control for a clothes washing machine having an electronically commutated motor (ECM). A position-feedback is employed by the ECM to control sinusoidal motion of the washing machine agitator. An agitator position feedback signal is constructed from the motor commutation signals, and is compared to a digitally created sinewave position command signal. The error between the two signals is fed to a control system Proportional-Integral (PI) block, and the output of the PI block sets the level of motor current command. The control system is implemented in a digital signal processor, which also controls the motor's electronic inverter.

Abstract: A control panel for a laundry appliance includes a cycle type section comprising a reconfigurable display, and a cycle parameter section graphically illustrating selected laundry cycle parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting load unbalance in an appliance is provided for an appliance having a vessel configured to receive a supply of material and rotatable about an axis. A control is arranged and configured to rapidly accelerate a rotation of the vessel, determine an amount of energy with which the vessel has engaged the relatively stationary part, compare the amount of energy with a predetermined value and send a signal indicative of an unbalance condition if the amount of energy exceeds the predetermined value. The vessel may be rotated by use of an electric motor such as a controlled induction motor and the control can be used to measure the electric current drawn by the motor and through manipulation of the current, determine the amount of energy with which the vessel engages the stationary part of the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating, refreshing or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing an end of cycle for a laundry appliance having a drive motor, a timer motor, and at least one water valve. The method includes determining that the drive motor was previously running and is presently turned off, determining that the timer motor is not currently running, determining that the water valves are closed, and producing a signal to indicate the end of the laundry cycle.

Abstract: A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Abstract: An appliance is provided with a display system for use in connection with leveling the appliance. The system includes an accelerometer used in connection with an electronic controller to sense the degree to which the appliance is not level. Signals from the accelerometer are sent to a CPU which regulates a visual depiction on a display provided on the appliance. Adjustments made to alter the leveling condition of the appliance are also relayed to CPU, thereby updating the display and conveying when the appliance is suitably level. The system components can also be used to regulate other appliance operations.

Abstract: A vibration detecting apparatus includes a bobbin having a moving path of desired length in an inner periphery of the bobbin; a core movable along the moving path in the inner periphery of the bobbin by vibration applied from exterior or vibration applied to the bobbin; and a coil wound on an outer periphery of the bobbin, the inductance of which being changed in accordance with the shift of the core.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine, in particular, a washing machine and/or drier, includes an electronic controller, an information output device, and an input device. The electronic controller automatically implements laundry programs and has a decision-maker identifying each laundry item placed therein. The decision-maker makes decisions to create an optimized treatment program for treating the combination of identified laundry items placed into the machine. An information output device presents to a user the optimized program as a proposal. An input device is connected to the electronic controller and is to be actuated by a user for confirming the laundry treatment program determined by the decision-maker.

Abstract: A method for displaying a partial stroke mode of a washing machine is disclosed, which permits a user to recognize that a stroke mode other than a currently selected stroke mode is not performed if the user selects a partial stroke mode. The method for displaying a partial stroke mode of a washing machine having a display device includes the steps of displaying a whole washing stroke mode, which sequentially processes a series of stroke modes related with washing, and a partial washing stroke mode which processes some of the stroke modes if a power supply is applied, displaying courses corresponding to the partial washing stroke mode in the display device if the user selects the partial washing stroke mode, and displaying a guide message for a selected course in the display device if the user selects a desired course in the displayed courses. The method acts to prevent the user's undesired washing stroke mode from being performed and provides the user with convenience for use.

Abstract: A washing machine in which a plurality of display image parts (ID=0 to 9) are disposed and displayed, on the basis of a display/arrangement structure, on the display surface of a display unit in which a transparent pressure-type touch panel is mounted, so as to form a display/operation unit which enables display and operation/instruction by depression. Thus, a user can change the layout of the display/operation unit and washing operations freely.

Abstract: A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter, such as a type of stain adapted to be removed, and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a programmable appliance having a dryer and a control system operatively connected to the dryer, the control system adapted to create a dryer instruction based on the washing mode selection and to apply the dryer instruction to the dryer. According to a method of the present invention, a dryer is programmed by receiving a washing mode selection associated with a washer, automatically creating a dryer mode selection from the washing mode selection, and applying the dryer mode selection to the dryer.

Abstract: A method for displaying a warning message of a washing machine is disclosed, which displays the warning message that has to be considered before using the washing machine to allow a user to see it before operating the washing machine on applying a power source. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laundry from being damaged by various causes. The method for displaying the warning message of the washing machine having a display device includes the steps of displaying the warning message, which has to be considered before using the washing machine, in the display device, and processing the laundry according to the warning message if the current laundry should conform to the warning message displayed before using the washing machine. The method prevents the laundry from being damaged and rewashed by displaying the warning message, which has to be considered before using the washing machine, on applying the power source, and improves efficiency of the washing machine.

Abstract: A vertical axis clothes washing appliance is configured to meet predetermined energy and water usage factors by establishing a balance between water temperature, water level, and wash performance parameters. In accordance with the overall invention, additional controls for the washing machine enable an energy saving hot wash cycle to be established, with this wash cycle being designed to automatically establish a wash temperature which is intermediate warm and hot water temperature settings.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a drum for accommodating laundry and a variable speed electric motor for rotating the drum. A rise time is detected when the drum or the motor is accelerated from a first predetermined rotational speed to a second predetermined rotational speed while a predetermined constant power is being supplied to the motor. A fall time is detected when the drum or the motor is decelerated from a third predetermined rotational speed to a fourth predetermined rotational speed while the motor is in a free running state. A weight of the laundry in the drum is detected on the basis of the detected rise and fall times. A balance of the laundry in the drum is detected. The detected weight is compensated according to a result of balance detection.

Abstract: A communication-controlled washing system and a method for operating the same, wherein at least one washing machine is remotely controllable through a communication unit. A service provider controls the use, operation completion, operation progress and fault diagnosis of a plurality of washing machines individually over a communication network, resulting in a significant reduction in time and effort required for users or managers to limit the use of machines, upgrade programs or repair faults. Further, the optimum washing mode can be performed according to a use history and environmental conditions of each machine.

Abstract: An appliance is provided with a display system for use in connection with leveling the appliance. The system includes an accelerometer used in connection with an electronic controller to sense the degree to which the appliance is not level. Signals from the accelerometer are sent to a CPU which regulates a visual depiction on a display provided on the appliance. Adjustments made to alter the leveling condition of the appliance are also relayed to CPU, thereby updating the display and conveying when the appliance is suitably level. The system components can also be used to regulate other appliance operations.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is automatically responsive to indications of high suds level conditions during washing operations to, not only counteract the high level of suds, but effectively educate the user on avoiding the reoccurrence of the conditions. A display, such as an LCD touch screen which is also preferably used to input desired cycle parameters, is integrated into the washing machine for both alerting the user to the occurrence of a high suds level condition and conveying information on how to avoid the development of the situation in the future. In order to avoid prematurely alarming the user, it is preferable to instruct the user only after a predetermined number of high level suds cycles are detected.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is automatically responsive to indications of high suds level conditions during washing operations to, not only counteract the high level of suds, but effectively educate the user on avoiding the reoccurrence of the conditions. A display, such as an LCD touch screen which is also preferably used to input desired cycle parameters, is integrated into the washing machine for both alerting the user to the occurrence of a high suds level condition and conveying information on how to avoid the development of the situation in the future. In order to avoid prematurely alarming the user, it is preferable to instruct the user only after a predetermined number of high level suds cycles are detected.

Abstract: A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a control knob assembly and detection mechanism having various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob assembly and produce a position signal indicative of the knob assembly position. The position signal is provided to the appliance controller that produces a control signal in response thereto. The control signal is used to initiate various appliance functions based on the specific position of the knob assembly. In one form, the detection mechanism includes a variable resistor assembly that is comprised of a wiper and resistor pad arrangement. In another form, the detection mechanism includes a shaft encoder mechanism that is comprised of a light transmitter and receiver, and an associated apertured disc secured to the knob assembly.

Abstract: A control device for a laundry appliance includes a member which need only be manually shifted through a limited range of travel, from a neutral position to which the control member is biased, in either of first and second opposing directions, to establish a desired cycle and to adjust an operational time for the cycle. The control member is provided with numerous movable contacts which are interposed between fixed contacts. Shifting of the control member a limited amount in either direction will function to engage a single pair of the contacts, while shifting the control member a further amount in the same direction causes another pair of the contacts to become engaged. In this manner, the contacts are paired to slowly increase or decrease the operational time and to also select either the next or previous operational cycle. User feedback of the selected setting is preferably provided through the use of a illuminated indicator that shifts around a track adjacent operational indicia.

Abstract: A system for operating and programming a laundry appliance includes a menu system giving a user extreme flexibility in operating the appliance. Through a series of menu screens, the user is presented with a variety of available options. Additionally, the laundry appliance of the invention gives the user access to databases, preferably already programmed into memory of the appliance, such as general tips for laundering and simple troubleshooting. Finally, the user has the ability to program the menu system.

Abstract: A washing machine according to the present invention includes a pressure sensor provided at a rod holding plate holding a suspension rod with which an outer tub is suspended. The pressure sensor is constructed so that a coil is wound around a magnetostrictive element whose magnetic characteristic changes when it is expanded, compressed or twisted by an external force. The change in the magnetic characteristic is converted to the change in the inductance of the coil, and an oscillating signal of a frequency corresponding to the inductance generated. Based on the frequency of the signal, the load on the pressure sensor is detected. Before supplying water, the amount of the laundry contained in a wash-and-extraction tub is detected based on the output of the pressure sensor, and an object water level corresponding to the amount is determined. After that, a water supply valve is opened to start supplying water into the wash-and-extraction tub.

Abstract: A control device for a laundry appliance includes a member which need only be manually shifted through a limited range of travel, from a neutral position to which the control member is biased, in either of first and second opposing directions, to establish a desired cycle and to adjust an operational time for the cycle. The control member is provided with numerous movable contacts which are interposed between fixed contacts. Shifting of the control member a limited amount in either direction will function to engage a single pair of the contacts, while shifting the control member a further amount in the same direction causes another pair of the contacts to become engaged. In this manner, the contacts are paired to slowly increase or decrease the operational time and to also select either the next or previous operational cycle. User feedback of the selected setting is preferably provided through the use of a illuminated indicator that shifts around a track adjacent operational indicia.

Abstract: A washing machine in which a plurality of display image parts (ID=0 to 9) are disposed and displayed, on the basis of a display/arrangement structure, on the display surface of a display unit in which a transparent pressure-type touch panel is mounted, so as to form a display/operation unit which enables display and operation/instruction by depression. Thus, a user can change the layout of the display/operation unit and washing operations freely.

Abstract: A system for operating and programming a laundry appliance includes a menu system giving a user extreme flexibility in operating the appliance. Through a series of menu screens, the user is presented with a variety of available options. Additionally, the laundry appliance of the invention gives the user access to databases, preferably already programmed into memory of the appliance, such as general tips for laundering and simple troubleshooting. Finally, the user has the ability to program the menu system.